144th, 147th District Races Previewed Candidates Polarized In 144th

October 27, 1992|by JOSEPH P. FERRY, The Morning Call

Jim Molenari and Tom Druce come from two vastly different points of view.

Molenari, the Democratic candidate for the 144th Legislative District seat, is a 53-year old retired business executive who wants to bring a bottom-line philosophy to state government. He has lived in Warrington Township for the past 25 years, raising a family while immersing himself in a number of municipal affairs there.

Druce, his Republican opponent, is a polished 31-year old former aide to the late Sen. John Heinz who believes it's time to end the "business as usual" political maneuverings in Harrisburg. For most of the past 12 years, he has lived outside the district, working at a variety of politically appointed jobs.

The differences don't end there.

Druce is running with the full backing of the Republican machine. Molenari is running without party support.

Almost half of Molenari's campaign contributions have come in the form of loans or contributions to himself. More than half of Druce's contributions have come from the party, political actions committees and individuals who live outside the district.

Molenari is a strict supporter of Roe v. Wade. Druce would allow abortions in some circumstances but opposes using public funds.

Druce wants to sell the state liquor store system for a quick infusion of cash. Molenari wants to keep it.

Molenari wants to widen Route 202 to encourage business development. Druce says that would destroy the unique nature of the municipalities it cuts through.

Druce has received endorsements from small business groups. Molenari has support from the AFL-CIO.

With such disparate opinions and constituencies, both candidates say voters will have a clear-cut choice next Tuesday.

"I want people to view me as an independent person going to Harrisburg as an advocate for the district," said Molenari, a former Warrington Township supervisor and current member of the Water Authority. "Sometimes individual needs conflict and we need someone who can sort them out and make the right decision.

"The issue is where we are going as a state and as a district," Druce said during a debate earlier this month. "You need someone who will not be afraid to speak up and disagree with his party. I will be that kind of person."

The 144th district includes Warrington, New Britain, Hilltown and part of Warminster townships along with Silverdale, Dublin, New Britain and Chalfont. Republican incumbent Jean T. Wilson chose not to run this year.

Nothing illustrates the differences between Molenari and Druce then a look at where their financial support comes from. Molenari has raised about $24,000 so far, including $10,000 of his own money, and approximately $8,000 from a dinner-dance held on his behalf. He has not accepted any funds from the Democratic party or from political action committees.

Druce, on the other hand, has accepted the bulk of his contributions from the GOP and special interest groups. Molenari estimated that 85 percent of Druce's backing has come from people and businesses outside the district.

"I would go to Harrisburg unburdened," said Molenari, who claims to have the support of several prominent Republicans. "I don't carry any political baggage. The party wrote me off a long time ago. A candidate who accepts that much PAC money can't be his own man."

Druce did not disagree with the level of his out-of-district support but said it is merely a byproduct of his days working with Heinz and from serving as Executive Director of the state Republican Committee in Harrisburg.

"These are people who know me and know I will do a good job," said Druce. "After all, what we do in Harrisburg has an effect on the whole state.

The contribution argument is also an extension of the controversy that has swirled around Druce's legal residency almost since the day he filed as a candidate. Molenari says because Druce has spent most of the last 12 years living in Washington and Harrisburg he is not in touch with the issues that affect the district. He claims Druce was hand-picked by the GOP to run for a seat in his hometown despite not having lived there since leaving to attend college.

But Druce says he has always maintained his legal residence in Warminster, despite buying a house in the Harrisburg area last year. Since filing for the election, Druce, his wife and young son have lived at his parents' house in Warminster.

"I am a product of the area," said Druce. "I graduated from the Centennial School District. Then I went off to do good things. Now I'm coming back to serve the community."

Druce said his top priority would be tax reform, especially because of the way local property taxes have skyrocketed over the past few years. He said Harrisburg should become a more active player in school district finances by eliminating or reducing state-mandated programs.